The Fiji Australia Business Council (FABC) and the Market Development Facility (MDF) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the export readiness of Fiji’s agri-food manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The formalization of this collaboration took place through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by FABC president Himen Chandra and MDF team leader Oliver Mathieson in Suva.
This initiative aims to roll out an Agri-Food Manufacturing SME Export Accelerator Program, which will assist promising Fijian businesses in overcoming the barriers to entering the Australian market. According to MDF Fiji country director Kelera Cavuilati, the partnership will provide Fijian agri-food manufacturers with hands-on support and valuable insights into the Australian market, leveraging FABC’s established business networks.
Cavuilati emphasized the significance of successful exports, stating that they would lead to stronger businesses, job creation, and more resilient value chains within Fiji’s manufacturing sector. Mr. Chandra pointed out that this partnership is a timely response to enhance Fiji’s export sector, noting that while Fijian agri-food manufacturers have strong international competitive potential, they often struggle with compliance, packaging, logistics, and market access.
The program is designed to translate strategic priorities into actionable results for local businesses, delivering tailored learning through a mix of self-paced online content, interactive webinars, and in-person workshops. The FABC has announced that around ten scholarships will be available for SMEs, with plans to sponsor approximately six to eight candidates. Applications for the inaugural cohort are expected to open in the coming weeks.
This strategic partnership signifies a positive development for Fiji’s agri-food manufacturers, providing them with the resources and support necessary to successfully navigate international markets and foster economic growth within the region.